Starting your Research
Encyclopedias, handbooks and subject specific dictionaries will help provide useful background information, as well as terms to use when searching the databases. For example:
 Beekman, G., & Beekman, B. (2009). Tomorrow’s technology and you: introductory. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. |
 Turban, E. & Rainer, R. K. (2009). Introduction to information systems. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
 Bainbridge, D. (2008). Introduction to information technology law. Harlow, Essex; New York: Pearson/Longman. |
 Parsons, J. J. & Oja, D. (2009). Computer concepts: comprehensive. Boston, Mass.: Thomson/Coruse Technology. |
E-books on this topic can be accessed from ITPro.
A GOOGLE search can also help find background information and suggestions for more keywords.
Keywords & OPAC
Use OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) to find books, journal titles and audio-visual materials in the Library. When searching for information, you need to use keywords. See below for some suggestions.
| Business enterprises – Computer networks |
Computer science |
Computers |
| Data mining |
Data warehousing |
Electronic commerce |
| Electronic digital computers |
Electronic data interchange |
Electronic data processing |
| Information systems |
Information technology |
Information technology management |
| Management information systems |
Technological innovations |
Virtual computer systems |
| Web 2.0 |
Web Servers |
Search OPAC now
Finding Articles Online
The articles inside magazines, journals & periodicals are very useful sources of information. Articles are different from books because:
- they are much more up-to-date
- they are shorter (less to read!)
- they concentrate on topics or specific aspects of topics
- there are many articles being published all the time so you have more choice.
The library catalogue, OPAC, does NOT tell you what articles the Library has, only which journals or periodicals, so the easiest way to find articles is to use the online databases.
Newspaper Articles
Newspaper articles are also very useful sources of information, and can be found in the LexisNexis Academic and the Factiva databases.
Click here for a list of all the databases subscribed to by TP Library.
Recommended Websites
DevX.com - provides the international IT community with information on software development for corporate applications. It also provides an online information service for Visual Basic, C&, Java, Enterprise and internet developers. Most of the source code and tips and tricks are available for free.
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore - IDA is responsible for leading Singapore's drive to be a global infocomm centre and world-wide digital hub, and plays a catalytic role to nurture a healthy market and drive the information and communication technology (ICT) industry in Singapore. The site provides information on: Infocomm 21, e-commerce and technology development in Singapore, Infocomm Facts and Figures (statistics & surveys), policy & regulations and more.
Internet World - daily news, information and development topics related to the Internet.
ITtoolbox - find the latest C& news, articles, press releases, jobs, events and much more.
Java World - each weekly issue includes a variety of articles, from Java's use in the real world to reviews of Java software tools and tutorials. Most technical articles include live Java applets and code examples. Java World also provides very useful Question and Answer, and Tips sections.
Network Magazine.com - free monthly eNewsletter providing information technology and network information in the form of strategic analysis, reports on new technology and products, and case studies.
PCWorld.com - features hardware and software reviews, downloads, hints and tips for IT professionals, the latest news, and much more.
TechWeb - under the category of "TechEncyclopedia", a searchable database allow you to search for more than 20,000 IT terms and a displays list of top 10 terms in IT related products. IT related products vendors information and news are also available here.
WebDeveloper.com - online information resource for Web developers and designers to learn how to design web pages. Resources include daily news, how-to articles, product reviews, and downloads of special interest to Web developers.
ZDNet - provides an international network of web sites that offer content, services, and commerce opportunities for IT professionals.
